Shilleena’s Dance Academy in Coorparoo, Brisbane, is a dance school for everyone. They have classes for pre-school aged children through to adults, with all abilities from beginners through to advanced students catered for. SDA is a member of Ausdance Qld and teaches the Southern Federation of Dance syllabus which is QCE accredited.
Tinies Dance Classes
Creative Dance classes for students aged 2.5 to 5 years are a wonderful introduction to dance. Children play dance games and act out simple stories as they learn to improve their gross motor skills, coordination, and musicality. SDAโs specially designed classes, covering a variety of dance forms, are heaps of fun for little dancers! Then from age 5, they offer foundation classes in ballet, tap and jazz to begin learning more detailed technique in these styles.
Classical Ballet
Students from the age of 5 can begin to learn the graceful art of ballet in Foundation Ballet. From Foundation Ballet, students move to levelled classes 1-7, then progress to the vocational levels Pre-Elementary to Advanced. SDAโs teachers guide students as they work to develop strength, balance, poise and artistry. From Grade 2, students learn character elements in class, and from Grade 7 pointe work is introduced into lessons. Students will learn syllabus work which will allow them to undertake Southern Federation of Dance examinations.
Progressing Ballet Technique classes developed by Marie Walton-Mahon are now included in Pointe Technique/Ballet Conditioning classes. This training program is a set of exercises utilising various equipment pieces and promoting safe dance practices and a greater understanding of core stability, weight placement and alignment.
Open Adult Ballet classes are also available and are suitable for any dancers aged 14 and up (adult dancers very welcome) who want to start learning ballet, or who are already proficient and want to maintain their skills.
Jazz
Join SDAโs exciting jazz classes to learn the sharp, strong, high-energy moves of this dance style. Students in levels Foundation, 1 through to level 10 learn syllabus work developed by the Southern Federation of Dance, which provides an enriching learning experience through sound, up-to-the-minute teaching techniques. Technique and mature age jazz classes are also available.
Two levels of Street Jazz are available, which combine jazz technique with the free-flowing style of hip hop. This funky style of dance is taught to classic and up-to-date pop music and is an ideal way to express your creativeness; find your groove, and accent sharp, strong body movements. It is fantastic exercise and is for ages 6-11 years (Junior) and 11-15 years (Intermediate).
Commercial Jazz is a fun energetic style of dance that combines the strength of technique work while exploring all different styles of jazz. Each week you will learn different routines in various styles from soft, flowing and expressive to fast paced, hard hitting and dynamic. This class is for ages 15 and up and is of an intermediate/advanced level.
Cabaret is a heels technique class which prepares dancers for future industry endeavours. It combines the glitz of cabaret with the infectious energy of jazz to create a unique and empowering dance experience. Classes are available for dancers 15 and over. Why not grab some heels and give it a go!
Tap
Learn to make music with your feet in SDAโs fun tap classes. Enjoy a mix of classic show tunes, Broadway, jazz and popular music as you learn the exciting rhythms of tap dance. Students in levels Foundation, 1 through to 10 learn syllabus work developed by the Southern Federation of Dance, which provides a comprehensive learning program in tap theory, developing skills as they progress. Mature age tap classes are also available at the beginner and intermediate level. Open Tap Technique is a class focuses on building advanced tap skills.
Contemporary/Lyrical
Learn to express yourself through the soft, fluid movements of contemporary/lyrical. These styles mix technical aspects of dance with dynamic leaps and emotive expression through the body. Contemporary classes are available from 11 years of age, and lyrical classes from 15 years. Mature-age classes are also available.
Acrobatics
If you have always wanted to flip, somersault and cartwheel, then this is the class for you. Learn sound acrobatic techniques in a safe environment, building up to floor routines that will challenge and excite. Donโt run away and join the circus โ come to acro instead!
Mature-Age Classes
At SDA, they welcome dancers of every age. Thatโs why they offer classes specifically for adults, whether you have previous dance experience or not. These classes are all about fitness and friendship and are an integral part of the studio culture. No leotards necessary!! So, check out their Open Adult Tap, Open Adult Jazz, Open Adult Contemporary, Open Adult Ballet and Open Cabaret classes.
Performance Groups
SDAโs Intermediate and Senior performance groups represent the school at competitions and various functions throughout the year. Students audition for their place in the group, and those who display a willingness to improve, teamwork and great dedication are welcome. To be eligible, students must currently study at least two styles of dance with SDA. The most regular form of dance competition is the local eisteddfod. These are conducted several times each year throughout the greater Brisbane area and can be a wonderfully rewarding experience for students, providing valuable stage experience and exposure to their peers.
Check out their 2021 Performance Team here –
The school’s Principal, Shilleena Collins, is an experienced teacher and performer. She has completed the highest exams in ballet, tap and jazz and is an examiner for the Southern Federation of Dance.
Testimonials
“I cannot rate Shilleenaโs Dance Academy highly enough. This is my daughterโs 9th year and apart from the fact she loves the dancing, Shilleena and the teachers have done amazing work in improving her self-confidence. Brilliant!” – Larissa
“Yesterday we had the Theatre Rehearsal for the dance concert in a couple of weeks… my daughter had such a blast and was in her element, but more importantly I was so very impressed by the community I found myself in. Not only was I in the company of such talented dancers and performers I was quite taken aback by the how powerful, strong and hardworking the community of young women around me were. I really felt like I was in one of the most inspiring environments I had been in for some time. I am very happy for my daughter to have these amazing women as some of her role models.” – Alice
“I feel very lucky to be a part of this wonderful and supportive dance school. My daughter started dancing in her mid-teens, and I started as an adult, and we have both had nothing but support from the amazing teachers at Shilleenaโs. Everyone ensures our classes are about fun as well as learning. I have met some wonderful people and look forward to going to dance classes. The teachers go out of their way to ensure everyone is happy and getting the most out of their classes. I recommend Shilleenaโs to anyone who mentions they are looking for a dance school because I know their experience will be a positive one.” – Vicki
To find out more and to book a class, please visit the Shilleena’s Dance Academy website.